Hyde-Stone Backflow Prevention

Backflow Prevention

A backflow prevention device is used to protect water supplies from contamination or pollution. Many types of backflow prevention devices also have test cocks so that they can be tested or examined to ensure that they are functioning properly. In the USA, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) holds local water suppliers responsible for maintaining a certain amount of purity in potable water systems. Many states and/or local municipalities require annual testing of backflow prevention assemblies. A check valve is a common form of backflow prevention.

Backflow prevention protects the potable water system from minor, moderate, and severe hazards. There are over 10,000 reported cases of backflow contamination each year. Some cases can be fatal. Backflow devices are required by law where needed and must be installed in accordance with plumbing or building codes. A backflow assembly has test cocks and shut-off valves and must be tested each year, if relocated or repaired, and when installed.

In this situation, dirty water from the hillside pool will back siphon or back flow down the hosepipe and into the clean water tank. To prevent this from happening, the house's external tap should be fitted with a backflow prevention device.
The simplest, and most effective way to provide backflow prevention is to provide an air gap.An air gap is simply a space between any device that opens to a plumbing system (like a valve or faucet) and any place where water can collect or pool.

Backflow and Cross-Connection Control 101

Backflow typically occurs when the flow of a contaminated liquid reverses and mixes with potable (drinking) water. This generally occurs in or between the public water system and something connected within a consumer's plumbing system, which is classified as a cross-connection. The cross-connection sets the wheels in motion for backflow to occur. The two most common types of backflow are backpressure and back siphoning, which are the result of positive or negative pressures, respectively. Back siphoning is commonly caused by main breaks or other conditions that create a drop in the City water distribution system pressure, which allows contaminates to be sucked back into the municipal water supply and the customers internal drinking water supply. Backpressure occurs when a device such as a pump is used to force contaminates into the water distribution system by overcoming the distribution systems water pressure.

The reversal of contaminated liquids can unknowingly infuse pollutants, pesticides, and other harmful agents into the drinking water. Contaminates can come from sources such as a garden hose, a lawn irrigation system, industry, medical facilities, schools or small businesses such as dry cleaners, photo labs, funeral homes, restaurants or the local grocer, to name a few. The basis for current cross-connection control and backflow prevention is based on the U.S. clean water act, state and local health requirements that have been put in place to comply with the clean drinking water act and increased urgency to secure the water supply since 9/11.

A Serious Health Issue

Some cases of backflow being introduced into the drinking water supply may cause an odor or discoloration and provide you with a red flag, but it is just as common to find contaminates containing chemicals or biological hazards that can not be detected by sight or smell. The effects of backflow can be as common gastroenteritis or could be much more serious, including organ damage or even death.

Backflow Solutions Incorporated

(BSI) partners with communities, municipalities and businesses to develop comprehensive cross-connection control programs with the goal of Protecting your drinking water™, with a team of the most knowledgeable and qualified professionals in the industry. BSI has the unique ability to help you implement an effective backflow prevention program and the associated processes. By educating water supply professionals, plumbing contractors, health agencies and your residence we're helping you to protect one of our most precious resources - drinking water.

5-1.31 CROSS CONNECTION CONTROL

a	The supplier of water shall protect the public water system by containing potential contamination within the premises of the user in the following manner:
	1	by requiring an approved air gap, reduced pressure zone device, double check value assembly or equivalent protective device consistent with the degree of hazard posed by any service connection;
	2	by requiring the user of such connections to submit plans for the installation of protective devices to the supplier of water and/or the State for approval; and
	3	by assuring that all protective devices be tested at least annually. Records of such tests shall be made available to and maintained by the supplier of water. Such tests shall be conducted by certified backflow prevention device testers pursuant to he following requirements:
		i	a "general tester" certification will be issued when the applicant presents proof of satisfactory completion of a training course for testers of backflow prevention devices which has been approved by the department.
		ii	a "limited tester" certification will be issued when the applicant presents proof of employment by a manufacturer as its agent for the servicing, maintaining and testing of backflow prevention devices.
		iii	the department has the authority to require any person applying for certification or renewal of certification as a certified tester of backflow prevention devices to take a written, oral or practical examination, if it deems such examinations to be reasonably necessary in determining the applicant's qualifications. The results of such examinations may be the sole basis for approval or disapproval of an application for certification or renewal of certification.
		iv	at least three months before the expiration date of a current certificate, both the general tester and a limited tester must submit proof that they are still engaged in the activity represented by their current certification.
		v	a certification will be suspended or revoked, on due notice and an opportunity for a hearing thereon, for any of the following reasons: submission of false test reports for backflow prevention devices; proof that the person is no longer engaged in servicing, maintaining and testing backflow prevention devices; or failure to apply for recertification.
b	The supplier of water should not allow a user to establish a separate source of water. However, if the user justifies the need for a separate source of water, the supplier of water shall protect the public water system for a user who has a separate source of water and does not pose a hazard as detailed in subdivision (a) of this section in the following manner:
	1	by requiring the user to regularly examine the separate water source as to its quality;
	2	by approving the use of only those separate water sources which are properly developed, constructed, protected and found to meet the requirements of sections 5-1.51 and 5-1.52 of this Subpart; and
	3	by filing such approvals with the State annually.
c	All users of a public water system shall prevent cross-connections between the potable water piping system and any other piping system within the premises.
d	Any installation, service, maintenance, testing, repair or modification of a backflow prevention device shall be preformed in accordance with the provisions of any county, city, town or village having a plumbing code. For this section, a backflow prevention device is an approved air gap, reduced pressure zone device, double check valve assembly or equivalent protective device designed to prevent or contain potential contamination of a public water system. All individuals who perform testing of backflow prevention devices shall be certified, in accordance with subdivision 5-1.31 (a) (3) of this section.